Regional veterinary practices in Queensland send a message to Minister Watt calling for veterinary student debt support

Last week the AVA worked with local regional veterinary hospitals in Queensland to remind Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, that veterinary practices in his state are under pressure, and one of the solutions that should be considered is educational fee forgiveness.

Bespoke media releases were created for local media and distributed in those areas.

Roma Veterinary Clinic and Charleville Vet Surgery joins calls for veterinary student debt support

Tropical Vets joins call for veterinary student debt support

Tableland Veterinary Service joins call for veterinary student debt support

Valley Vet Mackay joins call for veterinary student debt support

AAA Vet Clinic joins call for veterinary student debt support

All of the media releases continued quotes from local practices and the same message from the AVA President, Dr Diana Barker:

“Rural and regional Queensland has a rich and vibrant agriculture sector that relies on veterinary services to ensure animals are healthy and disease-free. 

“But that is at risk without urgent assistance from the Government.

“We have been told time and time again by the Government that veterinarians are important – but we are yet to see any policies that reflect that position.

“That’s why we are calling on Senator for Queensland and Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt to take action and ensure Queenslanders can continue to access the essential services provided by vets.”

The media releases were picked up by a number of news outlets that included online, print and radio.

The AVA would like to thank the members who assisted us with this campaign. Hearing from local voices where the work is being done is essential.